... an "EU" force, as opposed to a "NATO" force. The latter could eventually join, but not now. Vlad is smarting from "losing" Sweden and especially Finland, so "NATO" forces might be too much, right now. There are countries, NATO and non-NATO, would would be willing to move "peace-keeping" "advisors" inside. Start near Poland. Have leaders rotating visits, including the UK Royals... Vlad won't bomb them. If he does, he's already decided and will start his WW with some assassination. Also, shore up Taiwan and other vulnerable places. Add cultural ties, business ties, leaders visiting...

This is not the "only way to end the war".

to give this aggressor/bully more than what's merited. Especially Trump, and Putin's MAGA apologists/enablers/ACCOMPLICES.

If Ukraine cannot do it on their own.

I also agree, it is unlikely Putin will use nukes.
He could use small tactical nukes, but not the heavy duty stuff.

If it comes to that he will be too busy planning his escape.
And his escape plans entail a livable planet with some resources remaining.

That's opening Pandora's Box. A nuke is a nuke.

Small vs big devastation.

Small tactical nukes may not provoke a world crisis.
Putin is said to be using chemical warfare and other underhanded battle tactics.
No one cares about it.
I don't think anyone will care if Putin uses small tactical nukes either.

i'm wondering why he hasn't.

not really.

And get this war over.

is establish a CAP and notify Russia that they will shoot down any aircraft, missiles and drones that encroach on Ukrainian territory.

It pains me greatly to say these words: One thing TSF is right about is that Europe has leaned on the US for too long. At the end of WW2, it made sense. They were devoting all of their GDP to recovering from the war and rebuilding their countries. Now they are struggling to build the military production capacity to replace the US if we renege on our obligations. I won't pretend to be well enough informed to predict how this will go. If Trump WON'T keep the US engaged enough to hold off the Russians, I'm not sure Europe has the production capacity to do it without us.

I'm not sure if the rest of Europe even trusts anyone in the Five Eyes anymore. Moles abound.

one of the generals would put an end to the reign of Putin.

and allow Ukraine in NATO. If Putin continues his invasion, then NATO forces should force him out.

Then charge Putin in the Hague for war crimes including kidnapping thousands of Ukrainian children.